Bletchley bids to crack Eternal Stakes code after Leicester success

4.00 Carlisle
ebfstallions.com Eternal Stakes | Listed | 6f195yds | 3yo fillies | RUK

Carlisle's Bell and Plate day has much historical significance, but perhaps the most exciting horse on the card runs in the relatively new addition, the 7f Listed ebfstallions.com Eternal Stakes.

Formerly staged at Warwick, the fillies' race then moved to Newmarket before reaching its new destination three years ago.

With an official rating of 103, Bletchley was highly tried last season, finishing runner-up in the Albany, and she was then sent off favourite for the Duchess of Cambridge and Firth of Clyde Stakes, but was unplaced.

She started this season in great style when winning a conditions race at Leicester and now bids for more black type. Trainer Ralph Beckett said: "The more rain the better. This was an obvious race for her after last time."

Elusive Beauty and Shane Foley on the way to victory at Gowran Park in AprilCredit: Alain Barr

There is Irish interest with Ken Condon and Willie McCreery sending over runners, with McCreery saying of Aurora Butterfly: "She's in good order. They tell me Carlisle presents a stiff test and that's what she'll want, coming back in trip after her maiden win. It's a good opportunity to try to get her some black type."

Elusive Beauty ran in Group 3 company last time at the Curragh when fifth, and Condon said: "She's very consistent and tough. She has a bit to find on official ratings but she invariably turns up and gives a good account. We'll be delighted if she runs in the first three."

Eve Johnson Houghton is hoping Bahamadam can earn some black type following a win last time out in a Leicester handicap. She said: "She loves cut in the ground and goes there fresh having had a nice break."

The ground was described as good on Tuesday, but was expected to ease after rain through the day, and Johnson Houghton, who also has a runner for the Cumberland Plate with Fleeting Visit, added: "I'm not so sure about the ground for him. We don't know he doesn't like it and he has an each-way chance."

ebfstallions.com Eternal Stakes card and form